Thanksgiving by E. W. Webster; R. W. Webster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 17, 1906

Thanksgiving

By E. W. Webster; R. W. Webster

“O THAT men would praise Jehovah for his loving-kindness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Ps. 107:8.

We desire through the columns of the dear old REVIEW to briefly relate our experiences for the last three months, and tell of the goodness of the Lord to us, that all may rejoice with us, and that others may be strengthened in trials.

Thursday, January 25, Mrs. Webster was taken ill with appendicitis, and was a great sufferer for many days and nights. Two weeks from the following Sunday was the first time real relief came. While at prayer that morning the Spirit of God came upon us, and she was instantly relieved; but it was two weeks more before she could walk any.

During all this time of suffering and care and suspense the Lord revealed his love to us in many favors and blessings. Daily we praised him. Kind brethren and sisters sent many messages of love and offered many prayers, for all of which we are very thankful.

The doctor told us that the only way to avoid another attack (this was the fourth one in two years) soon, which would undoubtedly prove fatal, would be to have an operation just as soon as possible. On account of the meeting of the Southern Union Conference Committee to be held at Graysville, Tenn., we decided to go to the Southern sanitarium.

The operation was performed Sunday, March 18, and was a very severe one on account of adhesions and diseased conditions, and less skilful surgeons would probably have failed. But God's blessing added to the science and skill of our God-fearing physicians made it a wonderful success.

We feel that we can never thank our dear Heavenly Father enough. We now understand what it is to have the bitter made sweet, the severe trial a blessing. Whenever a complete surrender was made after a severe struggle caused by one dark cloud after another piling up over us, the blessing that came more than compensated for it all. One enjoys most the rich blessings of God at a time when they are most needed.

We have been deeply touched also by the love of our dear brethren so often and tenderly expressed. This has been a great lesson to us, as well as a wonderful help, and we are resolved hereafter to express our love to others more fully. We would indeed be ungrateful and unworthy if such assurances of love from kind friends did not lift us up and make us better. We trust we are now better able to help others.

Before closing I want to say a word about our sanitarium at Graysville. It has had a struggle for two years. It is not yet fully fitted with the appliances necessary to do the very best work satisfactorily to the class of patients its beautiful situation is so well calculated to draw; but it already is doing a good work. It needs help at once. I believe that if our dear people knew its needs and its prospects for usefulness, they would immediately send help to put it in shape to receive a large number of paying patients and do its appointed work better.

Situated on the side of a wooded mountain overlooking Graysville and the beautiful valley, the silvery Roaring Creek dancing between; the bountiful spring above supplying an abundance of cold water to all the four-story building; the natural woods all around, with green fields and beautiful orchards in the valleys and off on the opposite hills; the bracing, life-giving air and climate rivaling those of California; and with the competent surgeon and doctor, nurses and helpers, it is well fitted to benefit the sick and spread the third angel's message. A more beautiful place for such an institution would be hard to find. Without hesitation we recommend it to our own people, and to others, as one worthy their patronage and hearty support.

E. W. WEBSTER, R. E. WEBSTER.